Okay, I tried posting this two days ago and I found the draft today. So, darn, it didn't work. But, here's the good news. You get the post plus an update.
So, as I mention below he's got the bell thing down pat. Smart guy! Yesterday and today he's been ringing it less frequently. So, the novelty is wearing off a little for him. But, the better news....no accidents at all. So, he can now tell me when he has to go out and there have been no accidents for about 5 days. Great job Simon!
He is a delightful boy. He's smart, active and cuddly. As you keep reading below you'll find that he is active. He likes to stay busy and when he can't find something to interest him he will go looking for tissues, plastic bags, etc. Initially when you try to take these things from him he will protect them (he will tense his body and he will nip at the hand trying to take it). As you keep reading you'll find how I've had success with this behavior. I've found that as we've had him a little over two weeks now that the behavior has also lessened in frequency and intensity.
When he first came we also noticed he liked to nip at toes while a person was walking. He's not vicious about it...he just runs along trying to nip at the toes. We just tell him "no" when he does this. We've noticed this behavior reducing in frequency also. It lasted the first could days and then stopped. Now, we see it if someone has on some new footwear (like bunny slippers or bright socks). The nipping doesn't hurt but it might upset a small child.
So, he's a busy boy with a couple behaviors but doing very well. This boy does need a home of his own.
I'd say he's a very low shedding dog. He might even be non-shedding. I don't find any hair on my lap when I pet him and I don't see any in his crate. His hair is soft and seems to grow fast. I do see an occasional white/grey hair on him and that hair looks a little more wirery. So, that's why I'm saying low-shed. He might be mixed with something that gives him those few hairs. Anyway, you won't have to be vacuuming the sofa and the rug all the time.
Now to the posting I tried a couple days ago....
By George I believe he's got it! Well, Mr Simon rang the bell about 7-8 times today. No accidents in the house yesterday or today either. I was on my laptop in the kitchen and I could hear him walking around. I believe he was looking for something to do. Then, after a minute or two of his walking I would hear him ring the bell. He would go out all by himself, do his business and just hang out outside for awhile. After about the 5th time I thought I have got to get this on camera. So, I stayed in my spot at the counter, so he would do his normal thing, and I waited. I knew he was going to ring it but he looked at me for awhile, then finally, he rang. So, you see and hear it in the video. The bells aren't loud. But, I've heard him ring it a second time, even louder, when I didn't come open the door right away.
Because I want to encourage him to use the bell I am letting him out each time. I certainly don't think he had to go potty each time but because he's training on the bell I had to indulge him. He likes getting outside and sniffing around and hanging out.
BTW- the bells can be purchased at the pet store or on-line. They're called Poochie Bells and run about $15-20.